Cursor jumps randomly

[larryq22]

I replaced Vista with Windows 7 using a clean install. My wife's laptop came with Windows 7 preinstalled. On both of our machines, the cursor occasionally jumps to a different location while typing. (Example: in an email reply, it will jump from the reply I'm typing down to the previous message.) We've noticed it in Word and Firefox email because we use these the most, but it may happen elsewhere.

Does anyone know why this happens, and more important, how to fix it? I use Microsoft Security Essential as AV and regularly do scans with Malwarebytes, Spybot S&D, Ad-aware. Would a Hijack This log show anything?

Thanks, Larry

 

[Benjamin King]

I had this same problem and researched possible solutions and did the usual reinstallaition of pionting device drivers with no effect. After disabling the Pointer utility in startup the problem no longer exists.

 

[larryq22]

Thanks for the quick response, BK. Can you tell me how to disable the Pointer utility?

 

[Benjamin King]

I use ccleaner to manage all my start-up items. you can also find them typing msconfig in the search or run bar of your start bar, msconfig/startup/ALPS pointing device. After disabling, the touchpad still functions normally minus the extra features i had enabled like the forward/back and smart scroll also when accessing my mouse options in the control panel the interface is for a generic device now instead of the specific touchpad (ALPS) but it still functions normally.

 

[Benjamin King]

Did you update your pointer drivers after you did the install of windows 7? Do you know what pointing device your laptop has? It is probably either Synaptics or ALPS but I would hate to lead you in the wrong direction if the solition lies elsewhere. I figured I would let you know how I dealt with the same problem.

 

[larryq22]

Hmm. I have no ALPS pointing device on my computer, or at least I can't find it. Under msconfig/startup, there are only a few things that start automatically: Quickset for laptop features such as displaying the volume control on-screen; MS Security Essentials; and something called OEM02Mon.exe, whose function I don't know but a google search said it wasn't dangerous. Maybe because our computers are different we have different pointer software? Mine is a dell; wife is ASUS.

 

[Benjamin King]

what is the model of your ASUS?

 

[Benjamin King]

Sorry, what are the models of each laptop?

 

[Benjamin King]

Here is a link to the Vista 32bit pointer drivers for your dell. Drivers & Downloads

 

[larryq22]

Models are:
ASUS K60
Dell Inspiron 1720

Both use Windows 7 and the driver download link only has Vista. Not sure why I would have to install new drivers?

 

[acer231]

problem still exists

I use ccleaner to manage all my start-up items. you can also find them typing msconfig in the search or run bar of your start bar, msconfig/startup/ALPS pointing device. After disabling, the touchpad still functions normally minus the extra features i had enabled like the forward/back and smart scroll also when accessing my mouse options in the control panel the interface is for a generic device now instead of the specific touchpad (ALPS) but it still functions normally.

I went to msconfig and the alps box was already un checked. I up dated Symantec drivers and cursor still jumps. Any other ideas? Thanks in advance.

Mike

 

[Benjamin King]

I just fixed a similar problem with a Gateway netbook. The touch-pad was not functioning normally and after researching the required drivers I found a incorrect driver was assigned. After uninstalling the driver a generic Windows driver was still assigned to the touch-pad. After uninstalling that driver the touch-pad was non-functional (as it should be after uninstalling the driver) I connected a usb mouse and installed the correct one as listed on the Gateway support page for that model.
I still did not work.
I had to go through the same process 2 more times and finally it behaved normally.
After the first time i could not understand why it didnt work. I had found the correct driver, uninstalled the incorrect one, uninstalled a second incorrect one, restarted, installed the proper one and it STILL did not function properly. I had the right one but I just kept at it and finally it worked. I don't know why but I had almost the exact same issue with a HP and THE SAME ALPS DRIVER.
With the HP I puposely installed a incorrect driver (synaptics) to see if it made any difference and it was very poor, so I re-installed the driver that was originally there. IT WORKED. This was so I could disable tapping because it was too sensitive but after the correct driver was working it stopped being weird.

If the touchpad still works after uninstalling the driver, use the Device Manager and find the mouse/touch-pad and uninstall what ever you find there. Restart the computer and install the Factory specified driver and restart.
I hope it works for you because I was wanting to hurt 2 different laptops because of the same thing.

Sorry if this sounds confusing but it was a pain in the port.